Many Nigerians are beginning to feel the pain of rising prices due to New Tax reforms , and some believe the new tax laws are being used as an excuse by businesses to charge more.

Although the Federal Government said the new tax reforms were meant to reduce certain taxes and ease the burden on citizens, traders and service providers across the country rather the new tax is adding more load on them and they are already increasing the cost of goods and services. Many now add VAT and other charges, even on items that are supposed to be tax-free.

From markets to restaurants, supper market , stores, fuel stations, POS operators and car dealers, the story is the same: prices are going up, and customers are confused and frustrated.

Some traders say they are only trying to “protect” themselves so they will not be hit with heavy tax bills at the end of the year. Others admit they don’t fully understand the new law but are adding extra charges just to be safe based on Babk deductions so far.

On social media, Nigerians are sharing painful experiences — higher food prices, increased transport costs, extra VAT on meals, fuel, savings, and even small market purchases. Many feel cheated and helpless.

Small business owners’ groups and economists have warned that using tax reforms to exploit customers is wrong and unfair. They say taxes should be paid from profits, not pushed onto struggling Nigerians.

The Nigeria Revenue Service has also made it clear that there is no new tax and no reason for arbitrary price increases. It insists that the reforms were designed to bring relief, not hardship.

For now, ordinary Nigerians are left to bear the burden, watching the cost of living rise while trying to understand what is really happening under the new tax system.